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Master of Divinity

Master of Divinity Program

Master of Divinity Overview

The Master of Divinity program offers a deep, focused study of Scripture guided by credentialed faculty who are both scholars and ministers. With a flexible format designed for working adults and generous scholarships available, this program prepares students for lifelong service in ministry, missions, and teaching. Whether you’re continuing your education or expanding your impact, the M.Div. provides the tools to grow in knowledge and leadership.

Graduate Studies:

College of Biblical Studies

Director of Graduate Studies:

Dr. Richard A. Brumback
Ph.D.

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Richard A. Brumback
Ph.D.

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Total Courses:

29

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Cost Per Credit Hour:

$680

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Time to Complete:

3 YEARS

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Format:

100% ONLINE

Learning at FHU

Why should you pursue a M.Div. at FHU?

What sets FHU’s Master of Divinity apart is the blend of academic depth and hands-on experience – students can join a heavily subsidized archaeological dig in the Bible lands, gaining a unique connection to Scripture. Courses are taught by credentialed faculty who are not only Ph.D.s, but also experienced ministers, offering both scholarly and practical insight. With the flexibility of synchronous classes and strong faculty support, FHU offers and immersive and meaningful path toward ministry.

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The speaker addresses the crowd from the main stage during the annual lectureships

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity is the most comprehensive ministry degree available – designed to equip you with a deeper and broader foundation than shorter graduate programs. Whether you’re pursuing preaching, teaching, counseling, or academic scholarship, the M.Div. prepares you for long-term impact. It’s also the standard prerequisite for many Doctor of Ministry and Ph.D. programs, making it a wise investment for those seeking further theological study.

Degree Requirements for the Master of Divinity

I. Required Courses: 3 Hours
BIB 527 New Testament Theology OR (3)
BIB 537 Old Testament Theology (3)
II. Biblical Languages - Three of one; two of the other: 15 hours
Greek Language:
BIB 531 Elementary Greek I (3)
BIB 532 Elementary Greek II (3)
BIB 533 Greek Readings (3)
BIB 534 Greek Exegesis (3)

 

Hebrew Language:
BIB 541 Elementary Hebrew I (3)
BIB 542 Elementary Hebrew II (3)
BIB 543 Hebrew Readings (3)
BIB 544 Hebrew Exegesis (3)
III. Old Testament - Three of the following: 9 hours
BIB 508 Intertestamental Period (3)
BIB 509 Prophets I:  Pre-Exilic (3)
BIB 510 Prophets II:  Post-Exilic (3)
BIB 511 Seminar in Genesis (3)
BIB 512 Old Testament Wisdom Literature (3)
BIB 514 Seminar in Job (3)
IV. New Testament - Three of the following: 9 hours
BIB 515 The Synoptic Gospels (3)
BIB 516 Seminar in the Gospel of John (3)
BIB 517 I, II Thessalonians & Philippians (3)
BIB 518 I, II Peter & Jude (3)
BIB 519 The Corinthian Correspondence (3)
BIB 521 Romans (3)
BIB 522 Seminar in Acts (3)
BIB 523 Hebrews (3)
BIB 528 New Testament World (3)
V. Apologetics - Two of the following: 6 hours
BIB 555 Contemporary Ethics (3)
BIB 575 Suffering and the Human Condition (3)
BIB 576 Advanced Apologetics (3)
BIB 577 Biblical Text, Canon, & Inspiration (3)
BIB 596 Hermeneutics (3)
VI. Ministry - Two of the following: 6 hours
BIB 525 Communication in Ministry (3)
BIB 526 Introduction to Homiletics (3)
BIB 529 Expository Preaching (3)
BIB 530 Inductive Preaching (3)
BIB 535 Family Ministry (3)
BIB 536 Pastoral Counseling (3)
BIB 545 Spiritual Leadership (3)
VII. Missions - Two of the following: 6 hours
BIB 547 Missions and Church Growth (3)
BIB 548 Contextualization (3)
BIB 550 Missionary Anthropology (3)
BIB 551 Religious Diversity in America (3)
VIII. Church History - Two of the following: 6 hours
BIB 590 Early Church Fathers (3)
BIB 591 History of the Reformation Movement (3)
BIB 592 History of the Restoration Movement (3)
BIB 593 History of the English Bible (3)
IX. Theology - One of the following: 3 hours
BIB 594 Systematic Theology I (3)
BIB 595 Systematic Theology II (3)
X. Capstone Project: 6 hours
BIB 565 Internship 6
XI. Electives: 15 hours
AREAS OF EMPHASIS IN THE MASTER OF DIVINITY

An emphasis is optional, but if a student selects one, it requires 15 hours, as follows:

A. Old Testament

Advanced Introduction to Old Testament, the first three Hebrew Language courses, and one Old Testament text course.

B. New Testament

Advanced Introduction to New Testament, the first three Greek language courses, and one New Testament text course.

C. Biblical Languages

Three language courses in one of the Biblical languages, and two in the other. The third course in one’s preferred Biblical language may be substituted by a readings course of a modern language (graduate or undergraduate level B or above) which is approved by the director.

D. Apologetics

Any five of the courses listed under Apologetics.

E. Ministry

Any five of the courses listed under Ministry.

F. Missions

Any five of the courses listed under Missions.

G. Church History

History of the Reformation Movement, History of the Restoration Movement, one of the Systematic Doctrine courses, plus at least two others in this section.

H. Chaplaincy

Family Ministry; Pastoral Counseling; Religious Diversity in America; Contemporary Ethics; and Suffering and the Human Condition.

 Next Start Dates: January 21

(Apply by January 7)

Course Descriptions

Admission Requirements for the Master of Divinity Degree

To be considered for admission into the Master of Divinity program at FHU, please submit the following:

Frequently Asked Questions About the M.Div. Program at FHU

Why should I get an M.Div. at Freed-Hardeman University?

Simply put, you will be better equipped to serve in your role as a minister. The advanced knowledge you will receive combined with the mentorship provided by the faculty will transform you in ways you never thought possible!

Additionally, you will be eligible to participate in our annual guided archeological dig in the Holy Lands at a subsidized cost. It’s great to study Scripture, but it’s even better to see where it all happened with your own eyes!

Will a M.Div. help me advance my career?

A master’s degree in divinity can certainly make you more attractive to churches seeking to hire. However, the true impact is in the difference you can make with the knowledge you receive from the program. The M.Div. program will make you a more effective minister, enabling you to lead others along their spiritual journeys and help them gain a better understanding of Scripture.

How long will it take me to complete an M.Div.?

The 87 credit hour program can be completed in 3 years. However, you can pace yourself as you choose. You can finish quicker as a full-time student (9+ credit hours per semester) or you can slow it down and take 6 or less credit hours per semester.

Advanced standing of 12 credit hours can be given for those with an appropriate undergraduate degree in biblical studies.

Are there scholarships available?

We know pursuing a graduate degree can come with a significant cost investment. So, in an attempt to help you further your education without breaking the bank, we offer competitive scholarships to many of our students. If you’re interested, complete the online application as well as the scholarship application. Afterwards, the Director of the Graduate School of Theology will be in touch regarding your potential for a scholarship award.

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